WHITEWATER — Downtown Whitewater Inc. is bringing nationally known animal expert Jack Hanna to Whitewater on Monday, April 7, for a “Whitewater Gone Wild Safari.” Hanna is the host of the nationally syndicated television series “Jack Hanna's Into the Wild” and “Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown.”

Hanna will bring a variety of wild animals, which may include penguins, leopards and palm civets, for two shows at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Whitewater families have a unique opportunity to experience animal life from all over the world, said David Saalsaa, president of the board of Downtown Whitewater Inc. and owner of Quiet Hut Sports in Whitewater.

“This is a great family-friendly event and the organizers hope everyone will be able to join us on April 7 to learn more about majestic creatures from all over the world,” Saalsaa said.

Tickets are $20 to $25 and are available at the Discover Whitewater offices at 150 W. Main St. and at Commercial Bank, First Citizens State Bank, GMA Printing and Quiet Hut, all in Whitewater.

Hanna's tour of the United States includes this stop, which is the only one announced in Wisconsin this year.

“Whitewater is lucky to have Jack Hanna for his Wisconsin stop. This tour promises to provide a great safari for everyone who attends,” said Tami Brodnicki, director of Downtown Whitewater.

“We are lucky we can offer such a great price for the tickets thanks to all of our terrific sponsors,” she added

The funds raised from this event will help Downtown Whitewater, Inc. expand its mission of preserving, improving and promoting Whitewater's quality of life by strengthening our historic downtown as the heartbeat of the community. Downtown Whitewater runs a variety of events, including the Pig in the Park event in June, the Happy Holly Days Parade in December and more.

“Hanna's last visit here in 2010 was a huge success, and we wanted to offer this great opportunity once again for our community,” said Saalsaa.